Lundi Gras

 We strolled down Poydras to the Mississippi River (wrong way!) and meandered back over to S. Peter’s street before finding our way to Jackson Square and the famous Cafe du Monde.  After picking the slow line, we managed to get a cup of chicory coffee and a bag of beignets. Just as we got to the front of the line, they raised the blinds so we had a nice table bathed in sunlight to sip our drinks and spill confectionary sugar all over ourselves.  Afterwards, we walked through Jackson Square and the impressive St. Louis Basilica.  Found a shoe shine and got my boots done (flashback to my trip with Dad and brothers those many years ago).  Found some treasures while shopping our way to the Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone where the rest of the touring party awaited our arrival.  After a bit of a wait to get a drink, we all set out to do some window shopping (at least I was window shopping).  Tim joined us as we worked our way down Royal Street and we stepped into an antique furniture and jewelry store that boasted some very interesting and extremely expensive art, furniture and artifacts.  After that, it was off for a Pima Cup and Muffuletta sandwich at Napoleon House.  Then the Rugby Club haunt on Bourbon Street before making our way through the throng of humanity milling about.  We exited the French Quarter none the worse for wear and made our way back to Le Meridien to ready for our early dinner plans at Briquette.  The restaurant was very nearby and we had a liteish meal with the gang.  Next up, dress for the Orpheouscapade, a black tie affair.  In our borrowed attire, we hopped into an Uber with Steve and Belinda and hastily got to the massive convention center via some interesting back roads and alleyways.  The hall was huge with many tables for the $180 per ticket gala attendees.  When the motorcycle cops showed up with sirens blaring, the led in the Krewe of Orpheus Parade with its many marching bands and floats.  As advertised, the beads and trinkets (throws) rained down on our heads as everything passed by our table within arms length.  Harry Connick Jr. took the stage and played some before providing some history and background to the formation of his Krewe which is of mixed gender and open to non-native New Orleanians, which broke from ancient tradition for the Mardi Gras parades.  We were tired (and possibly a little drunk) so we followed T&D’s lead and hopped in a peddle cab for a pleasant ride back to the hotel for the night.